AAnsar al-Islam is a radical Islamist group of Iraqi Kurds and Arabs who have
vowed to establish an independent Islamic state in Iraq. It was formed in
December 2001 and is closely allied with al-Qaida. Some of its members
trained in al-Qaida camps in Afghanistan, and the group provided safehaven
to al-Qaida fighters before Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Since OIF, it has
been one of the leading groups engaged in anti-Coalition attacks. (Ansar
al-Islam was designated on 20 February 2003, under E.O. 13224. The
UNSCR 1267 Committee designated Ansar al-Islam pursuant to UNSCRs
1267, 1390, and 1455 on 27 February 2003.)

Activities

The group has primarily fought against one of the two main Kurdish political
factions— the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK)—and has mounted
ambushes and attacks in PUK areas. AI members have been implicated in
assassinations and assassination attempts against PUK officials and work
closely with both al-Qaida operatives and associates in Abu Mus’ab
al-Zarqawi’s network. Before OIF, some AI members claimed to have
produced cyanide-based toxins, ricin, and alfatoxin.

Strength

Approximately 700 to 1000 members.

Location/Area of Operation

Central and northern Iraq.

External Aid

The group receives funding, training, equipment, and combat support from
al-Qaida and other international jihadist backers.